How to Recycle Batteries (It’s Really Easy!)

How and where can I recycle batteries?

It depends on what type of batteries you have, but in general, yes you can – and should – recycle your old batteries.

The good news is, it’s really easy!

First, let’s look briefly at WHY it’s so important to recycle batteries, and then we’ll see HOW to do it – and then read on for some fascinating facts!

Why Should You Recycle Batteries?

You should recycle them because batteries may produce the following problems and hazards:

• Batteries contain strong corrosive acids, so they can cause burns or danger to eyes and skin.
• They contain heavy metals that can leach from landfills.
• If batteries are burned, the metals can vaporize and this pollutes air and water.
• Batteries expose the environment and water to lead and acid.

Recycling also saves resources because recovered plastic and metals can be used to make new batteries, instead of needing new materials.

Where to Recycle Batteries

Depending on where you live, here’s how to recycle batteries in different countries:

Recycle Batteries in the USA and Canada

Here are 3 easy ways:

1. Consumer electronic chains such as Best Buy, Circuit City and Office Depot often have recycling kiosks inside their stores, or outside the front entrance. It’s free, and you don’t need to have purchased batteries at that retailer to take advantage of its program. Target, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, and Wal-Mart also encourage recycling.
2. You’ll often find “button” batteries in watches and hearing aids. Retailers often recycle the batteries for customers for free – just go to a watch store and drop them off.
3. Use Call2Recycle throughout the United States and Canada or Earth911.  Find collection centres in your area by typing in your zip code and the type of battery you want to recycle.  Businesses can request prepaid shipping containers for rechargeable batteries.  Call2Recycle says that no component of any recycled battery reaches a landfill.

Recycle Batteries in the UK

Batteries can be recycled anywhere the Be Positive sign appears. Shops and online retailers that sell more than 32 kilograms of batteries a year must offer facilities to recycle batteries (equivalent to one pack of 4 AA batteries a day).  Shops such as Argos, Homebase, B&Q and Tesco also provide battery return boxes.

Recycle Batteries in South Africa

In South Africa any of the normal recycling companies such as EcoMonkey will also collect batteries.  Many large stores such as Pick’n’Pay and Woolworths have battery collection boxes in store.

Recycle Batteries In Australia

Go to Battery World and type in your location to find your nearest participating store.

Recycle Batteries in Europe

Battery recycling has been compulsory since 2008.   Most electronic shops, department stores and supermarkets recycle batteries.

Fast Facts

• The most commonly recycled type of battery is the automotive battery – nearly 90% are recycled!
• In some US states and Canadian Provinces a refundable deposit is paid on batteries, which encourages recycling.   (I don’t know why this isn’t done more, on more materials, worldwide). Overall battery recycling levels are much lower though.

Which Type of Battery?

If you are not sure which type of battery you have, and are not sure if it can be recycled in your local collection point, here are some general guidelines:

You might also like this:   Disposable versus rechargeable batteries

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